X Factor: Remembering Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s youngest son looked downright pained during much of tonight’s X Factor tribute to his late father. Then again, he had to sit through Chris Rene’s performance. (The other two put on brave faces, despite recent events.)

Josh Krajcik:Dirty Diana. Dirty, all right. But not in a good way. The arrangement is terrible. The vocals are off. And there’s way too much going on around Josh. This is a mess, really. One of his weakest performances to date, and I think most of it isn’t his fault. Shame on Nicole.

Astro:Black or White. I can’t hate. Astro is on fire tonight. I love his original lyrics, his performance, even the styling. This feel like a legitimate performance and not just a TV talent entry. All, I think, is forgiven. Easily one of his best.

Drew:Billie Jean. Chris Cornell. David Cook. It’s been done before. That’s the way I’m feeling about Drew every week. She’s just not being challenged in almost any way at this point. And this is a ridiculously illogical song for a teen girl. “The kid is not my son?” And she just doesn’t imbue it with the drama to pull it off as a purely vocal performance.

And the chair? The chair was a bad idea.

Rachel Crow:Can You Feel It? The glove! The mini-Fro! But mostly, I love that Simon never goes for the obvious with Rachel. She could have done ABC, I Want You Back or Ben, and it would have been adorable. I liked what this did for her voice and that she’s being showcased as a vocalist as opposed to just a kiddie pop star. I only worry that the song won’t connect as strongly with viewers. (And the judges are wrong, wrong, wrong.)

Marcus Canty:PYT. I think Marcus is taking the Bobby Brown comparisons too far. The whole thing is an awkward, uncomfortable fit. I hate the clothes, the beat, the dancers. It’s like he’s playing dress-up (again). Marcus seems to have no idea who he is as a performer. And if you’re going to get that sweaty and out of breath in 90 seconds — don’t dance.

Chris Rene:I’ll Be There. Bedazzled letterman jacket. Side part. And mediocre vocals. I’m not sure which is worse. WHY IS HE STILL HERE. SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME. Chris was out of his depth when he made the top 13. Now, it’s just getting embarrassing. And his expressions are growing cockier by the week.

MANIFEST WITH ABDUNDANCE IN THE HEART DEPARTMENT. Thanks, Paula.

Melanie Amaro:Earth Song. Restored accent in tow, she soars. Melanie is the winner. That’s all there is to say. I’m not sure about the Mariah-esque makeover. (Bring it down a touch, lamb.) But more than any other, this looks, sounds and feels like a championship performance. And I love some of the things she does with her voice. Fantastic.